.Center for Coastal Resources Management

CCRM Marine Debris Location & Removal Project

Marine debris is a global problem that injures and kills marine life,
interferes with navigational safety, causes economic losses to fishing and
coastal industries, and poses a threat to human health. The Chesapeake Bay
is continually polluted with a wide variety of marine debris including
derelict crab traps. Derelict (lost or abandoned) blue crab traps (pots)
can continue to capture and kill animals for several years depending upon
salinity and wave climate. Removal of marine debris, particularly
derelict pots, can result in a natural resource and economic benefit if
conducted in a structured and environmentally sensitive manner.

Watermen who would have been eligible to participate in the crab dredge fishery (this fishery was closed by VMRC in April 2008) were invited to participate in the program. In 2009, an additional 8 watermen were chosen by lottery to participate in the program to specifically target shallow water areas bringing the total number of participants to 66. In 2010, the total participant number was increased to 70. The project takes place from December 1st through March 15th.

The US Dept. of Commerce/NOAA funding for the program ended after the winter of 2011. A smaller effort, with four participants targeting 'hotspots' of pot loss, was funded through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Fishing for Energy Program for the winter of 2012.